Above: Talented Dame Allan’s basketball players Luca and Thomas with Newcastle Eagles Coach Marc Steutel

Young basketball players at Dame Allan’s Schools will continue to benefit from a lucrative partnership with local British Basketball League (BBL) team, Newcastle Eagles –  the most successful team in BBL history. 

The partnership will see Eagles coaches and players come into Dame Allan’s to host workshops and training sessions, helping to inspire the next generation of North East basketball stars. Basketball is thriving at Dame Allan’s, with the last season seeing the Senior School’s U13 boys team crowned as unbeaten champions in the Junior NBA Finals. 

Marc Steutel, Head Coach at Newcastle Eagles and Great Britain Head Coach, was the first to visit the Senior School for the 23/24 academic year on Thursday 12 October, hosting a coaching session for promising basketball players from Years 9 and 10. Bringing his wealth of experience to the interactive session, Marc took the players through some tough ball control drills, before assessing their skills and offering practical hints and tips to improve their game. 

Marc said: “It is great to be working in partnership with Dame Allan’s again, their support is so valued by everyone at the Serios Group Newcastle Eagles. Moreover, it’s a pleasure to be able to coach their young athletes who are always talented, committed and willing to learn. The future of North East basketball is in good hands.”

This collaborative partnership will also see Dame Allan’s pupils take part in coaching sessions at the Vertu Motors Arena, home of Newcastle Eagles, with opportunities for both boys and girls to get involved in this ever-growing sport.

Pupils can experience training and playing in a professional arena, whilst learning from top players, and will have the opportunity to see the Eagles play first-hand.

The Dame Allan’s and Eagles partnership will continue next term with a masterclass session for local primary school pupils.